Oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation regulated by prolactin

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method to increase oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells through administration of prolactin or a prolactin inducing agent.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/535,898, filed Sep. 27, 2006 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/721,025, filed Sep. 27, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/799,280, filed May 9, 2006, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the use of compounds for increasing oligodendrocyte production in a mammal.

BACKGROUND

In the adult central nervous system (CNS), specialized cells called oligodendrocytes function to generate myelin sheaths that coat subpopulations of axons, forming the white matter of the brain. The myelin sheath functions to enhance signal conduction by neurons and is required for neuronal health. Defects in myelination or damage to CNS myelin is thought to be central to the impairment of normal brain function in many CNS disorders, including Multiple Sclerosis (Bruck, W. et al Curr Opin Neurol 18:221 (2005); Kieseier, B. C. et al Curr Opin Neurol 18:211 (2005); Lubetzki, C. et al Curr Opin Neurol 18:237 (2005)), spinal cord injury (Keirstead, H. S. et al J Neurosci 25:4694 (2005)), age-related dementia (Buckner, R. L. Neuron 44:195 (2004); Peters, A. J Neurocytol 31:581 (2002)); depression and bipolar disorders (Aston, C. et al Mol Psychiatry 10:309 (2005); Bartzokis, G. et al Neurobiol Aging 25:843 (2004); Lyoo, I. K. et al Compr Psychiatry 43:361 (2002); Moore, P. B. et al Br J Psychiatry 178:172 (2001); Silverstone, T. et al Bipolar Disord 5:53 (2003)), as well as many of the cognitive impairments following stroke (Inzitari, D. Stroke 34:2067 (2003); Jokinen, H. et al Eur J Neurol 11:825(2004); Wardlaw, J. M. et al Neurology 59:1381 (2002)).

The adult mammalian CNS contains oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) throughout both grey and white matter regions, which function to generate new oligodendrocytes throughout adulthood (Gensert, J. M. et al Glia 17:39 (1996); Levine, J. M. et al Trends Neurosci 24:39 (2001); Levison, S. W. et al J Neurosci Res 57:435 (1999); Lubetzki, C. et al Curr Opin Neurol 18:237 (2005)). As a result of OPC proliferation the number of oligodendrocytes increases in the adult rodent and primate brain with age (Ling, E. A. et al J Comp Neurol 149:73 (1973); Peters, A. J Neurocytol 31:581 (2002); Peters, A. et al Anat Rec 229:384 (1991)). Further, OPCs are thought to generate new oligodendrocytes in response to injury, which to a limited extent can remyelinate regions of myelin damage (Armstrong, R. C. et al J Neurosci 22:8574 (2002); Gensert, J. M. et al Glia 17:39 (1996); Stangel, M. et al Prog Neurobiol 68:361 (2002)). Presently, little is known about the physiological mechanisms that regulate endogenous OPC proliferation and oligodendrocyte generation in the adult CNS. However, the discovery of these mechanisms may have dramatic implications for the treatment of brain injury and disease through the development of methods to promote the proliferation of OPCs and the generation of new myelinating oligodendrocytes capable of repairing demyelinated CNS tissue (Levine, J. M. et al Trends Neurosci 24:39 (2001); Lubetzki, C. et al Curr Opin Neurol 18:237 (2005); Stangel, M. et al Prog Neurobiol 68:361 (2002)). Consequently, it is desirable to discover signaling molecules capable of promoting OPC proliferation such that these cells may be expanded either in vitro for transplantation or in vivo to promote endogenous white matter repair.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to methods of producing oligodendrocytes in vivo or in vitro by contacting neural stem cells and/or oligodendrocyte precursor cells with prolactin. We demonstrate herein that prolactin significantly increased the number of oligodendrocytes produced from neural stem cells. This method can be used to enhance myelination, particularly remyelination of a mammal with a demyelinating disease. Therefore, the present invention also provides a method of treating or ameliorating a demyelinating disease or condition and/or a disease or condition associated with demyelination by using prolactin.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides a method of delivering oligodendrocytes to a mammal, comprising:

-   -   (a) introducing at least one neural stem cell and/or         oligodendrocyte precursor cell into said mammal; and     -   (b) administering an effective amount of a prolactin or a         prolactin inducing agent to said mammal; under conditions that         result in oligodendrocyte formation from said neural stem cell         and/or oligodendrocyte precursor cell.

The invention also provides a method of delivering oligodendrocytes to a mammal, comprising administering to said mammal an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising:

-   -   (a) at least one neural stem cell and/or oligodendrocyte         precursor cell; and     -   (b) an effective amount of a prolactin or a prolactin inducing         agent to said mammal;

under conditions that result in oligodendrocyte formation from said neural stem cell and/or oligodendrocyte precursor cell.

The method may further include contacting said neural stem cells and/or oligodendrocyte precursor cells with at least one biological agent that is capable of increasing the number of said neural stem cell and/or oligodendrocyte precursor cells. The biological agent may be used before, after, or both before and after said introduction of said neural stem cell and/or oligodendrocyte precursor cell into said mammal.

The biological agent may be selected from the group consisting of epidermal growth factor (EGF), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), estrogen, ovarian hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), growth factor and insulin-like growth factor-1.

The mammal may be, for example, a human, canine, feline, rodent, sheep, goat, cattle, horse, pig, or non-human primate. The mammal is preferably a human.

The neural stem cells may be obtained from the subventricular zone in the forebrain of said mammal and oligodendrocyte precursor cells are obtained from any location in the central nervous system of said mammal, for example the optic nerve, corpus callosum, and/or spinal cord. The mammal may be an embryonic mammal, a neonatal mammal, or an adult mammal.

The method may further comprise applying an effective amount of a factor that promotes oligodendrocyte differentiation, growth, proliferation or survival, for example triiodothyronine.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for treating or ameliorating a disease or condition associated with demyelination in a mammal comprising:

-   -   (a) culturing mammalian neural stem cell and/or oligodendrocyte         precursor cells;     -   (b) transplanting said neural stem cell and/or oligodendrocyte         precursor cells into a mammal; and     -   (c) administering a proliferation agent to said mammal in order         to induce said neural stem cells and/or oligodendrocyte         precursor cells to generate oligodendrocytes.

The proliferation agent is, for example, prolactin. The mammalian neural stem cell and/or oligodendrocyte precursor cell culture may be prepared using mammalian brain tissue selected from the group consisting of embryonic brain tissue, neonatal brain tissue, and adult brain tissue. The neural stem cells are preferably obtained from the subventricular zone in the forebrain of said mammal and the oligodendrocyte precursor cells may be obtained from any location in the central nervous system of said mammal, for example the optic nerve, corpus callosum, and/or spinal cord. In one embodiment, the neural stem cells and/or oligodendrocyte precursor cells are harvested from said mammal for autologous transplantation.

The method may further comprise the step of applying an effective amount of a factor that promotes oligodendrocyte differentiation, growth, proliferation or survival such as triiodothyronine.

The prolactin may be administered intrathecally, intravascularly, intravenously, intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, transdermally, intradermally, subcutaneously, orally, topically, rectally, vaginally, nasally, or by inhalation. The prolactin is preferably administered by injection or infusion.

The neural stem cell and/or oligodendrocyte precursor cells may be expanded in vivo, by administering to said mammal a biological agent that is known to increase the number of neural stem cell and/or oligodendrocyte precursor cells. The biological agent may be selected from the group consisting of epidermal growth factor (EGF), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), estrogen, ovarian hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), growth factor and insulin-like growth factor-1.

The neural stem cells and/or oligodendrocyte precursor cells may be introduced into the brain, optic nerve or spinal cord of said mammal. In one embodiment, they may be introduced into a site where axons have been demyelinated.

The disease or condition associated with demyelination may include, for example, multiple sclerosis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, diffuse cerebral sclerosis, necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalitis, leukodystrophies, stroke, spinal cord injury, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, acute brain injury, and dementia. In one embodiment, the disease or condition is multiple sclerosis.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for enhancing the formation of oligodendrocytes endogenously in a mammal, comprising administering an effective amount of a prolactin to said mammal. In one embodiment, the mammal is suffering from or suspected of having a disease or condition associated with demyelination. The disease or condition associated with demyelination may be selected from the group consisting of multiple sclerosis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, diffuse cerebral sclerosis, necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalitis, leukodystrophies, stroke, spinal cord injury, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, acute brain injury, and dementia. In one embodiment, the disease or condition is multiple sclerosis.

The method may further comprise administration of at least one biological agent that is capable of increasing the number of neural stem cells and/or oligodendrocyte precursor cells in said mammal. The biological agent may be epidermal growth factor (EGF), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), estrogen, ovarian hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), growth factor or insulin-like growth factor-1.

The prolactin may be administered systemically, subcutaneously, or into the brain.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows double staining in the corpus collosum, the optic nerve and spinal cord using the oligodendrocyte precursor specific immuno-marker PDGFRα with BrdU in gestational day 7 pregnant (GD7) and non-pregnant (virgin) mice;

FIG. 2 shows double staining in the corpus collosum, the optic nerve and spinal cord using the oligodendrocyte precursor specific immuno-marker NG2 with BrdU in gestational day 7 pregnant (GD7) and non-pregnant (virgin) mice;

FIG. 3 shows double staining in the corpus collosum, the optic nerve and spinal cord using the mature oligodendrocyte specific immuno-marker GSTpi with BrdU in gestational day 7 pregnant (GD7) and non-pregnant (virgin) mice;

FIG. 4 shows a time course of oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation, determined through quantification of BrdU immunoreactivity by PDGFRalpha expressing cells in the corpus collosum over the course of pregnancy (GD7, GD14) and the postpartum period (P0, P7, P14, P21);

FIG. 5 shows a time course of total oligodendrocyte precursor cell number, determined by total number of PDGFRalpha expressing cells in the corpus collosum over the course of pregnancy (GD7, GD14) and the postpartum period (P0, P7, P14, P21;

FIG. 6 shows a time course of mature oligodendrocyte cells, determined by total number of GSTpi expressing cells in the corpus collosum over the course of pregnancy (GD7, GD14) and the postpartum period (P0, P7, P14, P21;

FIG. 7 shows the increased presence of mature oligodendrocyte cells via GSTpi immunostaining, in the corpus collosum of pregnant (GD7) compared to non-pregnant (virgin) mice;

FIG. 8 shows the co-localization of the prolactin receptor (PRLR) and the oligodendrocyte precursor cell specific marker PDGFRalpha in the corpus collosum;

FIG. 9 shows decreased proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in the corpus collosum of mutant mice heterozygous for the prolactin receptor (+/−) as compared to normal mice (+/+) exposed to prolactin;

FIG. 10 shows an increase in oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation in the corpus collosum of mice following three days of prolactin (PRL) administration compared to the control (vehicle) mice;

FIG. 11 shows that the newly proliferated oligodendrocytes mature and form processes during late pregnancy and the post-partum period and that oligodendrocytes newly formed during pregnancy generate myelin and increase the overall level of myelination in the corpus collosum;

FIG. 12 shows that the pregnancy-induced increase in OPC proliferation and oligodendrocyte generation is associated with an enhanced capacity to remyelinate the maternal CNS;

FIG. 13 shows that administration of prolactin alone is sufficient to promote oligodendrocyte proliferation in non-pregnant adult mammals.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a method of increasing OPC proliferation in vitro and in vivo by using the hormone prolactin. Prolactin can be applied in combination with a biological agent capable of increasing the number of neural stem cells and/or OPCs (e.g., platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)) to enhance adult OPC proliferation in vitro. Other biological agents which can be used in combination with prolactin include, but are not limited to, epidermal growth factor (EGF), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), estrogen, ovarian hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor-1. The cultured OPCs can be used, for example, for transplantation to treat demyelinated lesions. Alternatively, prolactin can be delivered in vivo subcutaneously to promote OPC proliferation in situ within the adult forebrain and spinal cord to potentially promote endogenous remyelination of demyelinated CNS white matter.

Pregnancy has previously been reported to promote neural stem cell proliferation in the maternal forebrain subventricular zone (Shingo, T. et al Science 299:117 (2003)). In addition to adult neural stem cells, OPCs are known to reside throughout the adult CNS, including but not limited to, the optic nerve, corpus callosum, and spinal cord. OPCs can be recognized in vivo by their expression of the PDGFRalpha and the proteoglycan NG2 (Stangel, M. et al Prog Neurobiol 68:361 (2002)). Cellular proliferation can be identified by the incorporation of the thymidine analog bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) during S-phase of the cell cycle, which in combination with OPC specific staining can identify OPC proliferation.

Definitions

A “multipotent neural stem cell”, or “neural stem cell”, is a stem cell in the neural cell lineage. A stem cell is a cell which is capable of reproducing itself. In other words, when a stem cell divides, at least some of the resulting daughter cells are also stem cells. Neural stem cells and their progeny are capable of differentiating into all the cell types in the neural cell lineage, including neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are collectively called glia or glial cells). Therefore, the neural stem cells are multipotent neural stem cells. Multipotent neural stem cells are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,750,376 and 5,851,832.

The adult neural stem cells preferably refer to the neural stem cells located in or derived from the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the forebrain of adult mammals, which are different from the proliferating cells in the adult hippocampus.

The “progeny” of neural stem cells described herein refers to any and all cells derived from neural stem cells as a result of proliferation or differentiation.

An “oligodendrocyte precursor cell” is a central nervous system precursor cell capable of giving rise to oligodendrocytes.

A “mammal” is any member in the mammalian family. A mammal is preferably a primate, rodent, feline, canine, domestic livestock (such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and pigs), and most preferably a human.

A “demyelinating disease” is a disease or medical condition that is caused by or associated with demyelination. Examples of these diseases or conditions include multiple sclerosis (including the relapsing and chronic progressive forms of multiple sclerosis, acute multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica (Devic's disease)), diffuse cerebral sclerosis (including Shilder's encephalitis periaxialis diffusa and Balo's concentric sclerosis). Demyelinating disease also include a variety of diseases wherein demyelination is caused by viral infections, vaccines and genetic disorders. Examples of these demyelinating diseases include acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (occurring after measles, chickenpox, rubella, influenza or mumps; or after rabies or smallpox vaccination), necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalitis (including hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis), and leukodystrophies (including Krabbe's globoid leukodystrophy, metachromatic leukodystrophy, adrenoleukodystrophy, Canavan's disease and Alexander's disease). The demyelinating disease is preferably multiple sclerosis or diffuse cerebral sclerosis, and most preferably sclerosis.

“Treating or ameliorating” means the reduction or complete removal of the symptoms of a disease or medical condition.

An “effective amount” is an amount of a therapeutic agent sufficient to achieve the intended purpose. The effective amount of a given therapeutic agent will vary with factors such as the nature of the agent, the route of administration, the size and species of the animal to receive the therapeutic agent, and the purpose of the administration. The effective amount in each individual case may be determined empirically by a skilled artisan according to established methods in the art.

“Prolactin” is a polypeptide which (1) shares substantial sequence similarity with a native mammalian prolactin, preferably the native human prolactin; and (2) possesses a biological activity of the native mammalian prolactin. The native human prolactin is a 199-amino-acid polypeptide synthesized mainly in the pituitary gland. Thus, the term “prolactin” encompasses prolactin analogs which are the deletional, insertional, or substitutional mutants of the native prolactin. Furthermore, the term “prolactin” encompasses the prolactins from other species and the naturally occurring variants thereof.

In addition, a “prolactin” may also be a functional agonist of a native mammalian prolactin receptor. For example, the functional agonist may be an activating amino acid sequence disclosed in U.S. Pat. No 6,333,031 for the prolactin receptor; a metal complexed receptor ligand with agonist activities, for the prolactin receptor (U.S. Pat No. 6,413,952); G120RhGH which is an analog of human growth hormone but acts as a prolactin agonist (Mode, et al Endocrinology 137:447(1996)); or a ligand for the prolactin receptor as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,506,107 and 5,837,460.

Specifically included as a member of the prolactin family are the naturally occurring prolactin variants, prolactin-related protein, placental lactogens, S179D-human prolactin (Bernichtein, S. et al. Endocrin 142:2950 (2001)), prolactins from various mammalian species, including but not limited to, human, other primates, rat, mouse, sheep, pig, cattle, and the prolactin mutants described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,429,186 and 5,995,346.

A “prolactin inducing agent” is a substance that, when given to an animal, is capable of increasing the amount of prolactin in the mammal. For example, prolactin releasing peptide stimulates the secretion of prolactin.

To “transplant” a composition into a mammal refers to introducing the composition into the body of the mammal by any method established in the art. The composition being introduced is the transplant, and the mammal is the “recipient”. The transplant and the recipient may be syngenic, allogenic or xenogenic. Preferably, the transplantation is an autologous transplantation.

Methods

Methods for the isolation and in vitro culture of multipotent neural stem cells have recently been developed (for example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,750,376; 5,980,885; 5,851,832). It was discovered that fetal brains can be used to isolate and culture multipotent neural stem cells in vitro. These stem cells, either from fetal or adult brains, are capable of self-replicating. The progeny cells can again proliferate or differentiate into any cell in the neural cell lineage, including neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.

Most of the cells differentiated from neural stem cells are astrocytes. Therefore, although neural stem cells provide a good source of all kinds of mature or immature neural cells, using neural stem cells to produce oligodendrocytes for demyelinating diseases is normally an inefficient process. The present invention, however, provides a method of significantly increasing the efficiency of oligodendrocyte production from neural stem cells. The addition of prolactin to a neural stem cell culture induces their differentiation preferentially into oligodendrocytes. Prolactin also increases oligodendrocyte production from OPCs.

The oligodendrocytes produced from the neural stem cell or OPC culture can be introduced (e.g., by transplantation) into a mammal, particularly to compensate for lost or dysfunctional oligodendrocytes. The mammal is preferably a human, canine, feline, rodent, sheep, goat, cattle, horse, pig, or non-human primate. Most preferably, the mammal is human. Since neural stem cells can be cultured from brain tissues from mammals of any age including adults, it is preferable to grow neural stem cells using a mammal's own tissue for autologous transplantation. Allogenic and xenogenic transplantations are also possible, particularly when the transplantation site is in the brain, where immunologic rejection is less severe due to the blood-brain barrier.

It is also contemplated that neural stem cells can be transplanted into a mammal and induced to form oligodendrocytes in vivo. Thus, neural stem cells may be expected in culture using established methods, transplanted into the mammal, and contacted in vivo with the oligodendrocyte promoting factor to produce oligodendrocytes. Optionally, the transplanted neural stem cells can be expanded again in vivo by administering to the mammal a biological agent that is known to increase the number of neural stem cells as disclosed above.

The cells are preferably introduced into the brain or spinal cord of the mammal, particularly at sites where oligodendrocytes are insufficient, for example, around axons that have been demyelinated. In humans, areas of demyelination are generally associated with plaque like structures, which can be visualized with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The cells may also be transplanted into other areas of the central nervous system, as glial cells are known to be able to migrate to their neural targets. A particularly useful approach is to transplant into the “mirror image” location of a target lesion in the other hemisphere, since cells are known to efficiently migrate to the corresponding location in the opposite hemisphere through the corpus collosum (Learish, R. D. et al Ann Neurol 46:716 (1999)).

The prolactin can be administered by any suitable route established in the art, including for example, intrathecally, intravascularly, intravenously, intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, transdermally, intradermally, subcutaneously, orally, topically, rectally, vaginally, nasally or by inhalation. The preferred method of administration is by injection (e.g., with a needle or catheter) or infusion.

The present invention further provides a method of enhancing oligodendrocyte production in vivo by administering the oligodendrocyte promoting factor to a mammal under conditions that result in oligodendrocyte formation. The resultant oligodendrocytes are capable of remyelinating demyelinated neurons in the mammal, whereby diseases or conditions in the mammal that are associated with demyelination can be treated or ameliorated.

It is contemplated that the present invention can be used to prevent demyelinating disease where a mammal is at risk of such diseases. Although the causes of multiple sclerosis are not entirely clear, certain risk factors have been identified. For example, multiple sclerosis (MS) occurs in 1-2% of first-degree relatives of MS patients, and people with certain histocompatibility antigens are correlated with MS as well. Therefore, the present invention may be used to prevent MS in the high-risk group.

The following examples are offered to illustrate this invention and are not to be construed in any way as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Example 1 Pregnancy Promotes OPC Proliferation

Six to eight week old virgin or gestational day 7 (GD7) pregnant female CD-1 mice received 6 injections of BrdU (120 mg/kg, i.p., dissolved in 0.007% NaOH in phosphate buffer), each 2 hours apart, and were sacrificed 30 minutes following the last injection. Animals were transcardially perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde, cryoprotected with 25% sucrose, and the brains, spinal cords and optic nerves were embedded in OCT compound. Tissue was cryosectioned at 14 microns in a 1 in 7 series with 12 sections per slide and processed for immunohistochemistry. Antibodies used included rat anti-BrdU (Seralab), guinea pig anti-NG2 (gift from Dr. William Stallcup; Burnham Institute; La Jolla, Calif.), goat anti-PDGFRalpha (R&D). Primary antibodies were recognized with the appropriate secondary FITC and CY3 conjugated secondary antibodies (Jackson ImmunoResearch). Antibodies were diluted in 10% normal donkey serum and 0.03% triton-X in phosphate buffered saline. For BrdU staining, tissues were treated with 1M HCl for 30 min at 60 degrees C. to denature cellular DNA.

Quantification of the number of dividing cells (BrdU+ cells), OPC (PDGFRalpha+ and NG2+ cells), and dividing OPCs (BrdU+PDGFRalpha or BrdU+NG2 double positive cells) revealed a significant increase in each of these cell populations within the corpus callosum, spinal cord, and optic nerve of GD7 pregnant females relative to virgin controls (Table 1). These findings reveal the novel finding that pregnancy triggers increased proliferation of OPCs throughout the maternal CNS.

A time course analysis of OPC proliferation and numbers over the course of pregnancy and during the postpartum period revealed that OPC proliferation and numbers peak during the first week of pregnancy (GD7) and return to control levels during the postpartum period (FIGS. 4 and 5).

Example 2 Pregnancy Promotes Generation of New Mature Oligodendrocytes

To trace the generation of new mature oligodendrocytes 6 injections of BrdU were given on GD7 of pregnancy and the animals were allowed to survive for 11 days to GD18 to permit the newly generated OPCs to differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes. Virgin females were used as controls. Mature oligodendrocytes were identified by expression of the mature oligodendrocyte marker GSTpi using mouse anti-GSTpi antibodies.

TABLE 1 Region/Marker Virgin GD7 Corpus callosum BrdU  32 ± 5.1 **57 ± 2.3 (p < 0.01; n = 3) BrdU + PDGFRα  22 ± 1.4 **42 ± 3.5 (p < 0.01; n = 3) PDGFRα 130 ± 5.3  *158 ± 6.4 (p < 0.01; n = 7) NG2  92 ± 5.9 *204 ± 26 (p < 0.05; n = 3) GD7-18 trace 8.6 ± 0.9 **15 ± 1.2 (p < 0.01; n = 3) BrdU + GSTpi Optic nerve BrdU 1.2 ± 0.3 *2.2 ± 0.6 (p < 0.05; n = 4) BrdU + PDGFRα 0.83 ± 0.3  **3.0 ± 0.2 (p < 0.01; n = 4) PDGFRα 16 ± 2  *22 ± 0.7 (p < 0.05; n = 4) NG2  11 ± 0.8 **16 ± 1.3 (p < 0.01; n = 4) GD7-18 trace 0.19 ± 0.05 *0.46 ± 0.07 (p < 0.05; n = 4) BrdU + GSTpi Spinal cord BrdU 5.8 ± 1.0 *14 ± 3.1 (p < 0.05; n = 5) BrdU + PDGFRα 2.3 ± 0.5 *8.4 ± 2 (p < 0.05; n = 5) PDGFRα 92 ± 25 *166 ± 24 (p < 0.05; n = 5) NG2 124 ± 11  *310 ± 33 (p < 0.05; n = 3) BrdU + NG2 2.5 ± 0.4 **6.7 ± 0.7 (p < 0.01; n = 3) GD7-18 trace  1.5 ± 0.01 *4.1 ± 0.7 (p < 0.05; n = 5) BrdU + GSTpi

As shown in Table 1, animals that received the trace BrdU injections on GD7 of pregnancy had approximately double the number of newly born, mature oligodendrocytes (BrdU+GSTpi double positive cells) within the corpus callosum, spinal cord, and optic nerve 11 days later relative to virgin controls. Therefore, the increase in OPC proliferation led to an increase in the generation of new oligodendrocytes in the maternal CNS. Additionally, the total number of mature oligodendrocytes (GSTpi+ cells) in the corpus callosum of during pregnancy and the postpartum period was examined (FIG. 6). The results demonstrate that pregnancy triggers a significant increase in the total number of mature oligodendrocytes relative to virgin controls that persists up to three weeks postpartum.

Statistical analysis was performed using the unpaired t-test or an ANOVA followed by the Tukey Honest Significant Difference post-hoc test.

Example 3 Pregnancy Promotes Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Proliferation Throughout the Maternal Central Nervous System

Increased numbers of BrdU+ cells were observed in the corpus callosum, spinal cord, and optic nerve of the GD7 pregnant maternal CNS (Table 1); as well, significantly increased numbers of PDGFRalpha+ cells (FIG. 1, Table 1) and NG2+(FIG. 2, Table 1) OPCs were observed in the pregnant animals. An increase in the total number of dividing OPCs was observed in each of these tissues at GD7 as indicated by an increase in the number of BrdU+PDGFRalpha double positive cells (FIG. 1, Table 1).

BrdU was given to GD7 or virgin mice and traced for 11 days and revealed an increase in the number of BrdU+GSTpi double positive cells in the corpus callosum, optic nerve, and spinal cord in the pregnant (GD7) versus non-pregnant (virgin) mice (FIG. 3, Table 1). Therefore, the induction of OPC proliferation in response to pregnancy results in an increased generation of new mature oligodendrocytes throughout the maternal CNS.

A time course of OPC proliferation in the corpus callosum during pregnancy and the postpartum period (FIG. 4) revealed a peak of BrdU+PDGFRalpha expressing cells at GD7, which dropped below virgin levels at GD14, but returned to virgin levels by term and was maintained at these levels during the postpartum period.

An examination of changes in the total number of OPCs in the corpus callosum during pregnancy (FIG. 5) revealed a significant increase in the number of PDGFRalpha expressing cells at GD7, which dropped back to baseline levels by 21 days postpartum.

An examination of changes in the total number of mature oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum during pregnancy (FIG. 6) revealed that pregnancy results in a significant increase in oligodendrocyte number by GD7 and this increase remains significantly higher than virgin levels throughout pregnancy and up to 21 days postpartum. FIG. 7 shows the changes in mature oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum during pregnancy as evidenced by GSTpi staining.

Example 4 Prolactin Regulates Pregnancy Induced OPC Proliferation

To investigate whether adult OPCs express the prolactin receptor, 6-8 week old adult female virgin CD-1 mice were transcardially perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde, cryoprotected in 25% sucrose and processed for cryosectioning at 14 microns as described previously. Immunohistochemistry was performed as described above using mouse anti-prolactin receptor (PRLR, Affinity Bioreagents Inc.) and goat anti-PDGFRalpha. The corpus callosum was examined for the presence of double-labeled cells. Double labeling revealed the presence of PDGFRalpha expressing OPCs that also expressed the prolactin receptor. As the prolactin receptor is expressed by a subpopulation of PDGFRalpha positive OPCs (FIG. 8), these results suggested that prolactin potentially regulates OPC proliferation

Example 5 Prolactin is Required for Induction of OPC Proliferation

To investigate whether prolactin signaling was required for the induction of OPC proliferation within the maternal forebrain during pregnancy prolactin receptor mutant heterozygous mice (PRLR +/−), relative to wildtype controls (PRLR +/+), were analyzed. Animals were genotyped using PCR according to previously published methods (Shingo, T. et al Science 299:117 (2003)). Non-pregnant (virgin) versus pregnant (GD7) PRLR +/+ and +/− females received BrdU injections as described above and were sacrificed 30 minutes following the final BrdU injection. Immunohistochemical analysis for BrdU and PDGFRalpha was performed and the number of double positive cells in the corpus callosum was quantified (as described above).

Decreased prolactin receptor signaling in the PRLR +/− animals resulted in a significant decrease in pregnancy-induced OPC proliferation in the corpus callosum (FIG. 9). PRLR +/− mice experience a significant reduction in the number of BrdU+PDGFRalpha expressing cells within the corpus callosum at GD7 relative to wildtype controls (*p<0.05; Bonferroni posthoc test; n=4). These results reveal that prolactin signaling is required for the induction of OPC proliferation in response to pregnancy.

To investigate whether prolactin signaling was sufficient to promote the proliferation of OPCs within the maternal forebrain, 6-8 week old virgin CD-1 mice were treated with a 3 day subcutaneous infusion of prolactin (16 micrograms/day; mouse recombinant, National Hormone & Peptide Program, Torrance, Calif.) or vehicle control. Prolactin was dissolved in 0.9% saline containing 1 mg/ml mouse serum albumin (Sigma). Mice received BrdU on the 3rd day of infusion and were sacrificed 30 minutes following the final BrdU injection. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to determine the number of BrdU+PDGFRalpha double positive cells within the corpus callosum and spinal cord (as described above).

The subcutaneous infusion of prolactin was sufficient to significantly increase OPC proliferation in both the corpus callosum and spinal cord relative to vehicle control infused virgin females (FIG. 10). Three day subcutaneous infusion of prolactin significantly increased the number of BrdU+PDGFRalpha cells within the corpus callosum of virgin female mice relative to vehicle control infusions (p<0.01; unpaired t-test, n=4). PRL infusions also increased the number of BrdU+PDGFRalpha positive cells in the spinal cord relative to vehicle control (PRL=11±1; VEH=7±0.9; n=4; P<0.05; unpaired t-test). These results demonstrate that prolactin is sufficient to increase OPC proliferation in vivo throughout the CNS.

To investigate whether prolactin was sufficient to increase production of new mature oligodendrocytes, 6-8 week old received 3 day infusions of prolactin or vehicle (as described previously). On the 3rd day of the infusion the animals received 6 BrdU injections (1 every 2 hours) and were left to survive for 12 more days to trace the generation of new mature oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum. Animals were sacrificed 12 days after the BrdU injections and the number of BrdU+GSTpi expressing cells in the corpus callosum was quantified. Prolactin infused animals had a 36% increase in the number of newly generated oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum compared to vehicle control infused animals (Table 2). This result reveals that prolactin is sufficient to increase the generation of new mature oligodendrocytes in the adult CNS.

TABLE 2 Number of BrdU + GSTpi co-expressing cells in the corpus callosum Average Brdu + Gstpi Co-Expressing Cells Per Section Vehicle 2.9 +/− 0.3 Prolactin 4.5 +/− 0.2 n = 5; p = 0.0016; two-tailed unpaired t-test

Example 6 Oligodendrocytes Generated by Prolactin Elaborate Processes

In order for the newly generated oligodendrocytes to myelinate, they must first form glial processes. GSTpi+ oligodendrocytes in the corpus collosum of virgin females were randomly imaged with confocal z-stacks, which revealed that mature oligodendrocytes extend an average 3-4, highly branched, GSTpi+ processes from the cell soma (FIGS. 11A and D; n=3, Ns25 cells/animal). GD7-18 BrdU tracing was used to identify newly generated oligodendrocytes (BrdU+GSTpi+ cells) in the CC of pregnant females. GD7-18 newly generated oligodendrocytes extended significantly fewer GSTpi+ processes than mature virgin oligodendrocytes, with an average of 1-2 per cell soma (FIGS. 11B and D; p<0.001; one way ANOVA with Tukey HSD posthoc test; n=3; N≧25 cells/animal), suggesting these cells were still maturing at the end of pregnancy. Indeed, longer tracing times of GD7-P7 and GD7-P14 revealed that the newly generated cells did eventually develop the fully mature average of 3-4 GSTpi− processes per soma during the postpartum period (FIGS. 11C and D; n=3; N≧25 cells/animal).

Example 7 Oligodendrocytes Induced by Prolactin Increase Overall Myelination

After determining that the newly formed oligodendrocytes form processes, we confirmed that the oligodendrocytes produce myelin. Confocal imaging of cells triple labeled with BrdU, GSTpi, and myelin basic protein (MBP), the major protein constituent of myelin, revealed that virtually all of the newly generated BrdU+GSTpi+ oligodendrocytes in the corpus collosum of GD7-18 animals (˜98%; n=3; N≧25 cells/animal) and GD7-P7 animals (˜96%; n=3; N≧25 cells/animal), expressed MBP (FIG. 11E-G). Therefore, the new oligodendrocytes appear to generate myelin.

An increase in the number of myelinating oligodendrocytes in the maternal CNS might increase the overall myelin content of the corpus collosum and spinal cord. To investigate this possibility we performed an analysis of MBP expression in the corpus collosum and spinal cord over the course of pregnancy and the postpartum period by Western Blot. Remarkably, the expression levels of the 18, 17.2, and 14 kDa isoforms of MBP were significantly increased at both P7 and P14 relative to virgins (FIG. 11H-P; one-way ANOVA with Dunnett posthoc test; n=4). This result was not simply due to differences in age, as no increase in MBP expression was observed in the CC and SC of 6 week versus 12 week old adult virgin females. Therefore, the myelin content of the maternal CNS increases during the postpartum period, which parallels the timepoint at which new oligodendrocytes attain a mature complement of GSTit+ processes. Fully mature oligodendrocytes are unable to contribute to remyelination in the CNS and the process of myelin repair depends upon increased OPC proliferation and the generation of new oligodendrocytes.

Example 8 Prolactin-Induced Oligodendrocytes Aid in Remyelination

Virgin and GD3 pregnant females received dorsal column lysolecithin lesions and were sacrificed 7 and 11 days later to assess the proportion of the dorsal column that remained lesioned (FIGS. 12A and B). For each animal, thirty-six serial sections taken through a 4 mm segment of the spinal cord (2 mm caudal and 2 mm rostral of the injection site) were stained with the myelin specific stain Luxol fast blue. The demyelinated area was quantified and normalized to the area of the dorsal column to provide an index of the lesion volume within the 4 mm SC segment of each animal (see Materials and Methods). In the pregnant GD3-10 animals, the volume of the lesion was decreased in size by 37% relative to matched virgin controls (p<0.05; unpaired t-test; n=4). By GD14, the lesion volume in the pregnant GD3-14 (n=8) animals was 52% smaller than that of matched virgin controls (p<0.01; unpaired t-test; n=6).

Electron microscopy was used to count the relative numbers of axons that were demyelinated, remyelinated, or spared within the lesion center of virgin versus GD3-14 females (FIGS. 12C and D). Relative to virgin controls, GD3-14 pregnant animals had 75% fewer demyelinated axons (p<0.01; unpaired t-test; n=4), a 35% increase in the proportion of remyelinated axons (p<0.01; unpaired t-test; n=4), but no significant change in the number of spared axons. Together, these results strongly suggest the pregnancy-induced increase in OPC proliferation and oligodendrocyte generation is associated with an enhanced capacity to remyelinate the maternal CNS.

Example 9 Prolactin Promotes Oligodendrocyte Proliferation in Non-Pregnant Adult Mammals

To test whether PRL promotes OPC proliferation and the generation of new oligodendrocytes in the adult CNS, virgin female mice were infused with a vehicle control (VEH) or PRL subcutaneously for 3 days and delivered BrdU injections on the final day of the infusion. Relative to VEH controls, PRL infusions induced a 114% (p<0.01; unpaired-test; n=5) and 57% (p<0.05; unpaired t-test; n=5) increase in the number of dividing OPCs (BrdU+PDGFRa+ cells) in the CC and SC, respectively (FIG. 13A). Further, PRL infusions increased the generation of new oligodendrocytes (BrdU+GST^-t− cells) in both the corpus collosum and superior colliculus by 55% (p<0.01; unpaired t-test; n=5) and 124% (p<0.01; unpaired t-test; n=5), respectively (FIG. 13 B). Similar to virgin females, PRL infusions also significantly increased OPC proliferation and the generation of new oligodendrocytes in the corpus collosum of adult males (Table 3). As was the case for pregnancy, the increases were due to increased OPC proliferation since PRL infusions did not alter cell survival as demonstrated by the absence of any change in the number of activated caspase-3+ cells within the corpus collosum of PRL versus VEH infused animals.

TABLE 3 Number of immunoreactive cells in the corpus collosum of adult males Marker VEH PRL BrdU + PDGFRalpha 384 ± 40 756 ± 58*** BrdU + GSTpi(12 day BrdU trace) 70 ± 4 95 ± 13* 

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A method for reducing a symptom of a demyelinating disease comprising administering to a subject with or suspected of having a demyelinating disease an effective amount of prolactin or prolactin releasing peptide.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein prolactin is administered to the subject.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the demyelinating disease is multiple sclerosis.
 4. The method of claim 2, further comprising administering a biological agent selected from the group consisting of epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), estrogen, ovarian hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), insulin-like growth factor-1, and triiodothyronine.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the biological agent is hCG.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the biological agent is PDGF.
 7. The method of claim 4, wherein the biological agent is administered before the prolactin.
 8. The method of claim 4, wherein the biological agent is administered after the prolactin.
 9. The method of claim 4, wherein the biological agent is administered before and after the prolactin.
 10. The method of claim 3, further comprising administering a biological agent selected from the group consisting of epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), estrogen, ovarian hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), insulin-like growth factor-1, and triiodothyronine.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the biological agent is hCG.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the biological agent is PDGF.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the biological agent is administered before the prolactin.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the biological agent is administered after the prolactin.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the biological agent is administered before and after the prolactin. 